Material Quality and Used Plastic

Pivotal to the successful recycling of plastic, both within the UK and abroad, is the way the material is presented to the recycling sector. Waste plastic should be collected in a manner that enables maximum recycling quantities while also maximising quality.  Quantity-based targets encourage the collection of volume rather than trying to also maintain the material quality. The more plastic waste is allowed to become dirty and cross contaminated, the more difficult and costly it becomes to recycle. It also increases yield losses.

Why is the quality of material collected for recycling important?

Put simply, it helps reprocessors to produce high quality recyclate. Once costs associated with the necessary separation and cleaning processes begin to outweigh the value of the recycled material, recycling solutions can cease to be sustainable.

Reprocessors already have to undertake extensive sorting before material can be recycled, even if has already been through a sorting process. And as stated, contamination of plastic also reduces yields.

In conclusion....

Quality of feedstock is key to effective plastic recycling and plastic recycling rates should not be increased at the expense of quality. There should be standards for all grades of plastic feedstock and recycling efforts should be spread equally between the ‘Domestic’ and ‘Commercial and Industrial’ waste sectors.

Consistent collections will help to reduce contamination and increase recycling. The delay of implementing Simpler Recycling (formerly referred to as ‘consistent collections’ by the current UK government) is affecting material quality.

A standard should be developed for all grades of plastic feedstock, whether it is recycled in the UK or exported. This would encourage companies to invest in improving material quality as there would be an advantage for companies meeting this standard.

First published 24 May 2019

Last reviewed and updated July 2024